As medicine moves toward an integrated approach to care, UConn\u2019s new dental dean sees a greater role for dental medicine in the delivery of that care, and a strong foundation already in place to make that happen.<\/p>\n
Dr. Sharon Gordon, who arrived from the East Carolina School of Dental Medicine last summer, says it\u2019s part of what drew her to UConn: more broadly, the rich history of partnership between the medical and dental schools, but notably the basic sciences curriculum they share in the first two years, focusing on interprofessional training.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re perfectly poised to move to the next steps, which would be providing clinical care together,\u201d she says. \u201cThe idea is students moving into the clinics together, learning how to take care of patients together, so when they graduate they will be prepared for interprofessional practice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe evidence shows that more comprehensive care of the patient gives better health outcomes overall. — Dr. Sharon Gordon<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Health care financing already is trending toward a more holistic view of the patient and greater emphasis on outcomes; a next step is recognition of the connection between oral health and overall health, Gordon says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThinking about dentistry and where it is on the spectrum of reimbursement, if we don\u2019t embrace that, we\u2019re going to be left behind,\u201d Gordon says. \u201cBut more importantly, the evidence shows that more comprehensive care of the patient gives better health outcomes overall.\u201d<\/p>\n
To help UConn Health get there, Gordon wants to continue building on the concept of students working in group-practice clusters in the clinic. A program fittingly known as CONNcept (Connecticut Comprehensive Education and Practice Team), established under the leadership of Gordon\u2019s predecessor, Dr. R. Lamont \u201cMonty\u201d MacNeil, aims to simulate a true practice setting. As part of this, Gordon\u2019s vision also includes incorporating nursing students, students from Tunxis Community College\u2019s dental hygienist program, and, eventually, expanded-function dental assistants. Collectively, these disciplines can train together and, ultimately, practice together, improving patient outcomes through this new model of care.<\/p>\n